About the author Brandon J.

I am 37 years old living in Orange County, CA. with my wife, 2 five year olds, and one teenager (19). I enjoy living a life for God, Family, passionate music, the ocean, the mountains, gardening, and working in the Machining industry (Real Job). I founded this site in July of 2000 and love the community we have here. View my new personal blog here. (Check me out on Twitter @brandonaaero) #RIPIVM 2000-2015
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Fantastic album! My favourites keep changing as I listen over and over. One thought: Stephen Christian + Christie Dupree is a match made in vocal heaven. Listen to “God, Drugs & Sex” if you don’t believe me.

Through 7 songs I can say that this is easily their best effort since Cities, in my opinion. I’m not sure if it will top Cities, but I haven’t gotten to the last two songs which people are saying are the two best.

I understand that. I think it’s a fantastic closer, but it doesn’t scream “EPIC” like past closers did. Musically it’s most certainly my favorite next to “(*Fin)”. Vocally it’s easily one of my favorite Anberlin songs of all time. That falsetto near the end? And combined with Christie DuPree’s vocals? One of the best things I’ve heard all year.

“Miserabile Visu” is a fantastic closing song, but coming right on the heels of “Younglife” and “Haight Street”…I mean…what? The last four songs of that record make no sense as a sequence. And I like them all very much. It’s just the odd mixture songs that keeps me from going back to NS as much as other Anberlin records. Now as far as Anberlin closers go:

Wow. Could totally see that. Sounds nothing like a DH ballad, but his vocals would fit really well on that track. Interesting you mention Ryan Clark since he’s done vocals on one of their songs before. (“Never Take Friendship Personal”)

Got my copy of Vital in the mail today. This stream does not do the album justice. I had it playing in the car and each and every song sounds huge. This could be album of the year for me and it’s been a fantastic year.